First off: I’ll be at my brother’s wedding and spending time with family for the next week. In my absence, Xiane and Holly will be taking over the game previews for Houston’s next four games. Please be kind to them and engage in meaningful and respectful conversation in the comments.
Things are bad for the Houston Rockets right now. Their three-point shooting has been abysmal and the energy levels have been poor. They’re hoping that this five-game homestand, their longest of the season, can get them back on track. If not, Houston could find themselves in a fight to get out of the play-in spots.
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The Chicago Bulls started off hot, but have cooled off since. They’re 18-20 but have wins over the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and New Orleans Pelicans. For reference, the Rockets are 4-10 against those teams. The Bulls also come in with a rest advantage since their last game was on Saturday.
We’ll see early how Houston will respond to their recent losing streak. If they actually come out playing well in the opening minutes, we’ll know that they have found something new. Otherwise, they could let the Bulls hang around, take a lead that they’ll hold throughout the game, and then watch as Houston falls apart in the fourth quarter.
Maybe the Toyota Center sightlines can help the Rockets, unlike what they did for Tracy McGrady. Houston is 11-2 at home this season (and 11-12 on the road, which says a lot about their schedule).
Tip-off
7pm CT on January 13, 2026
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How To Watch
Space City Home Network
Injury ReportRockets
Dorian Finney-Smith: OUT
Tari Eason: OUT
Bulls
Josh Giddey: OUT
Coby White: OUT
Zach Collins: OUT
Julian Phillips: GTD
The Line (as of this post)
HOU -11.5
Check here for updates
Looking ahead because we can
Thursday night at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder